Alanna Houston
How do you continue learning in your life? What is your professional passion?
I am a naturally curious person, which has led to consistent learning throughout my life. Professionally, I have learned a lot through experience and reflection, conversations with colleagues, readings, seminars and workshops. I have also spent the last five years completing my master's degree in counselling psychology on a part-time basis. With my degree recently conferred, I am currently on the lookout for some more specific programs related to counselling (ex. mindfulness, grief and bereavement, etc.). Who knows what's next!?
I am a naturally curious person, which has led to consistent learning throughout my life. Professionally, I have learned a lot through experience and reflection, conversations with colleagues, readings, seminars and workshops. I have also spent the last five years completing my master's degree in counselling psychology on a part-time basis. With my degree recently conferred, I am currently on the lookout for some more specific programs related to counselling (ex. mindfulness, grief and bereavement, etc.). Who knows what's next!?
What is one of your favourite interactions with students?
My favourite interactions with students are always the informal ones – day-to-day conversations had when walking through hallways, waiting for a class to start, on the tennis court, in a student council meeting, or in my office during a guidance appointment.
Favourite thing about working at CDS:
In addition to the comment above, 100% the community - faculty, staff, students and parents. We have some truly amazing humans in and around this school. Although we don't see each other very much during the day, it's also nice to be able to work in the same building as my Dad! (James Houston is a member of the IT Department)
My favourite interactions with students are always the informal ones – day-to-day conversations had when walking through hallways, waiting for a class to start, on the tennis court, in a student council meeting, or in my office during a guidance appointment.
Favourite thing about working at CDS:
In addition to the comment above, 100% the community - faculty, staff, students and parents. We have some truly amazing humans in and around this school. Although we don't see each other very much during the day, it's also nice to be able to work in the same building as my Dad! (James Houston is a member of the IT Department)
Something you’ve crossed off your Bucket List:
Two things come to mind: hiking the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu and starting a business.
Two things come to mind: hiking the Inca Trail to see Machu Picchu and starting a business.
Other than CDS, I support: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Young Adult Cancer Canada, The Hospital for Sick Children
Hometown: Aurora, Ont.
Also Known As: Finnegan's roommate (our dog), wife, Aunt Alanna, the wedding planner, Houston we have a problem (name given to me by some students...)
Joined CDS in: As a teacher, 2014, but it was 2001 when I started at CDS as a student (I’m a graduate of the Class of 2007)
Education: B.Sc. in Biology - McGill University; B.Ed. in I/S Biology and Science - UOIT; M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology – University of Toronto OISE
How has being a CDS alumna helped you in your teaching career?
Firstly, it was the teachers who I had at CDS that inspired me to get into teaching. It has been such a neat experience to come back, learn from them again as a teacher, and then teach alongside them. Secondly, being an alumna has provided me with a perspective of student life at CDS, which has been helpful in my work with students as a teacher, Learning Strategist and Guidance Counsellor.
Firstly, it was the teachers who I had at CDS that inspired me to get into teaching. It has been such a neat experience to come back, learn from them again as a teacher, and then teach alongside them. Secondly, being an alumna has provided me with a perspective of student life at CDS, which has been helpful in my work with students as a teacher, Learning Strategist and Guidance Counsellor.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
